What happens when you’re trying to perform at work while also being a present, patient and emotionally available parent at home?

In Episode 30, we sit down with Natalie Costa to explore emotional fitness in families, schools and workplaces. Natalie shares her mission to help raise a generation of connected humans by supporting the adults around them - parents, teachers and leaders alike.

From childhood anxiety and classroom breakthroughs to parental guilt, emotional regulation and the pressure modern families face, this is a thoughtful, practical and deeply human conversation about what children really need, what parents are carrying, and how workplaces can better support the people raising the next generation.

It’s an episode about pressure, repair, resilience and the courage to stay steady when life feels anything but.

1. Emotional fitness in children and adults
2. Parenting under pressure
3. Childhood anxiety and self-belief
4. Neuroplasticity and changing old patterns
5. Parent guilt and the “mental load”
6. Why connection matters more than ever
7. How leaders can better support working parents

1. Children need adults to be their substitute prefrontal cortex
2. There is only room for one adult in the parent-child relationship
3. You can’t parent perfectly, but you can repair
4. Emotional regulation is a skill, not a personality trait
5. Neuroplasticity means we can build new emotional habits at any age
6. Modern parenting is harder because many families are raising children without a village
7. Connection with children often starts by taking an interest in their world
8. Great leadership at work starts with seeing the human behind the behaviour
9. Supporting parents at work is not a perk — it’s a culture and performance issue

1. “We are more connected than ever before, but more emotionally disconnected than ever before.”
2. “We need to support the people raising the next generation.”
3. “There’s only space for one adult in the relationship — and it’s not your child.”
4. “You can’t get it wrong if you are repairing and taking ownership.”
5. “Neuroplasticity is the muscle of our mind.”
6. “What are the keys to your kid’s kingdom?”
7. “Connect before you correct.”
8. “We’re all big kids walking around trying to run companies.”
9. “A lot of guilt is really just being pulled between things we value.”

1. 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 30
2. 00:57 – Natalie’s mission: raising connected humans
3. 02:34 – From teaching to emotional fitness
4. 06:16 – The classroom moment that changed everything
5. 09:16 – Teaching kids what to do with big feelings
6. 14:17 – Why the work has to include parents
7. 17:25 – Old stories, childhood beliefs and change
8. 21:46 – What neuroplasticity actually means
9. 25:35 – Is it harder than ever to be a parent?
10. 27:52 – Simple ways to reconnect with your kids
11. 31:31 – What workplace support for parents should look like
12. 35:58 – Does the work start with children or adults?
13. 40:22 – Emotional fitness and sitting with discomfort
14. 45:14 – What to do at 2am when your mind won’t stop
15. 48:06 – Progressive leadership for working parents
16. 51:16 – Final takeaways

After 28 episodes, a live event, and a growing Wit + Grit community, we sit down for a proper catch-up.

This one is honest, reflective and full of the stuff that sits behind the scenes - what we’ve learned, what’s surprised us, what we’re building, and why Wit + Grit is starting to feel like something much bigger than a podcast.

We talk about opportunity, identity, grief, ambition, structure, startup energy, and the importance of creating real conversations in a noisy world.

If you’ve ever started something, doubted yourself, or wondered whether to just press go, this one’s for you. Bring it on.

Key Takeaways

Press go first, learn later.

Opportunity changes everything.

You don’t need all the answers to start.

Identity matters.

Human connection is becoming more valuable, not less.

Structure matters when things start working.

Community compounds.

Success looks different now.

Keywords

Wit and Grit, PJ Ellis, Andy Dawson, Birmingham podcast, business podcast UK, human skills, opportunity, personal growth, startup journey, live testing, podcast alumni, community building, leadership, resilience, identity, grief, ambition, entrepreneurship, confidence, AI and identity, young people, future of work, Birmingham business, talent pipeline, real conversations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Peaky Blinders Premiere

02:44 The Growth of the Podcast and Its Impact

05:21 Personal Journeys and Backgrounds

07:49 Lessons Learned and Insights from the Podcast

10:13 Opportunities and Future Directions

12:51 The Importance of Structure and Discipline

15:31 Looking Ahead: Technology and Growth

18:26 Ambition and Growth in Podcasting

20:32 Creating Opportunities for Young People

22:08 Navigating Challenges in Today's World

24:33 The Impact of Technology on Youth

27:42 Finding Balance in a Chaotic World

31:18 Measuring Success and Impact

Hannah Tyers is one of the world’s youngest female chartered surveyors - but her real story sits under the surface.

At 21 years of age, Hannah lost her mum to alcoholism. Her journey has forced Hannah to grow up fast, build resilience early, and learn emotional skills most of us were never taught.

In this episode, Hannah shares what grief taught her about life moving on, why “success” can feel complicated, and how those late-night Googles for support became the spark for Soulful Co - a platform designed to help people find the right help faster and feel less alone in the process.

We get into confidence vs the “self-confidence mask”, creating spaces where teenagers actually talk, why rest is a non-negotiable (especially for founders), and what it really takes to choose who you want to be - rather than living as a victim of circumstance.

Key takeaways

• Life moves on after grief - you grow into it.

• Success can feel hollow if you’ve got no one to tell.

• The feeling of “I’m not alone” is sometimes the first step to healing.

• Active listening is simple… and strangely hard.

• Teenagers don’t open up on demand - they open up in motion.

• Rest is a strategy, not a reward (especially for founders).

• You learn most at the edge of the unknown.

• If not now, when? If not you, who?

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Hannah Tyers (the “iceberg” intro)

02:00 – Youngest chartered surveyor + the story underneath

04:30 – 18-year-old Hannah in a male-dominated industry

07:00 – Losing her mum mid-studies + “life moves on”

09:00 – The chartership moment + “success can feel empty”

11:20 – Alcoholism, childhood, and growing up fast

14:30 – Why most adults don’t talk about feelings

16:00 – How to actually get teenagers to talk

17:30 – What Soulful is and why it exists

20:50 – Redefining success (time, family, purpose)

23:00 – Her brother, men in construction, and opening up

26:00 – Entrepreneurship: “press go, learn on the way”

28:45 – Burnout prevention + rest as a non-negotiable

32:10 – How Soulful works (free platform + events + business offer)

36:20 – Making wellbeing “not embarrassing” for young men

40:00 – If not now, when? If not me, who?

41:35 – One small moment for anyone overwhelmed

42:25 – Choosing who you want to be (not victimhood)

44:30 – Rapid-fire takeaways + close

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares what he calls his “iOS update” - a shedding of identity.

After years of building his public platform around the suicide of his father and his own mental health journey, Daniel realised something profound:

The story that built him, no longer fits him.

From losing his dad at 9, battling addiction, therapy, public speaking, Channel 4’s The Piano, and impacting 25,000 students in 20 days, Daniel reflects on identity, reinvention, masculinity, hope, parenting, resilience, and the responsibility we all share for the next generation.

This is not an episode about trauma.

It’s an episode about evolution.

About what happens when the thing that made you, isn’t who you are anymore.

Takeaways

• Identity can evolve - even when the world expects you to stay the same

• Behavioural change is slow - give yourself grace (20% after 6 months is still progress)

• We are not designed to do life alone - build and use your support network

• Young people don’t need “toughening up” - they need modelling, leadership and challenge

• Praise can transform identity faster than punishment

• Who you become matters more than what you achieve

• Businesses have a role in shaping the next generation

• Service without expectation fills the cup

• Solitude and reflection are performance tools, not luxuries

• Sometimes growth means shedding the skin that once protected you

Keywords

Daniel Wilsher, mental health, identity shift, personal reinvention, parenting in 2025, resilience, behavioural change, leadership, masculinity, hope for young people, school mental health, social media impact, ADHD, public speaking, trauma recovery, service leadership, solitude, reflection, LifeX program, youth development, corporate social responsibility, mentoring young men

Chapters

00:00 – The “iOS Update”

02:00 – Shedding the story that built you

05:30 – Why behavioural change takes longer than you think

09:30 – The power of male support networks

13:00 – 100 talks in 20 days: the school tour

16:30 – The student who couldn’t name one good thing about himself

20:00 – What to tell a 15-year-old finding his way

22:00 – Working with kids vs corporates

24:00 – “Kids need to toughen up” — response to leaders

30:00 – Social media, AI & parenting in 2025

39:00 – Filling your own cup

44:00 – Daniel’s spoken word: Reflections

46:00 – What’s next? LifeX & the HOPE program

50:00 – Final takeaways

Joel Blake is a private client solicitor at Wilkes, a Future Faces ambassador, and a Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner - but his story starts in Dudley, navigating limited role models and plenty of “you’ll never make it” moments.

In this episode, Joel shares how rejection shaped his resilience, why confidence is built over time, and the mantra that changed everything: it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. We also dig into imposter syndrome, bridging generational gaps at work (including “upward mentoring”), and why networking works best when it’s human, not transactional.

If you’re a young professional trying to find your way - or a leader who wants to build a stronger team culture - this one’s for you.

Key takeaways

Rejection is part of the process - consistency beats talent when you keep showing up.

“It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” Put yourself in rooms and build real relationships.

Authenticity wins long-term - pretending to be someone else is exhausting (and unnecessary).

Networking isn’t transactional - it’s about genuine conversations and playing the long game.

Upward mentoring matters - juniors bring value too; trust is built in the small moments.

Working-class background = strength - it can become your edge for empathy, rapport, and connection.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable - growth lives on the other side of fear.

Keywords

Joel Blake, Wilkes, private client solicitor, Future Faces, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, young professionals, Birmingham, West Midlands, Dudley, Jamaican heritage, social mobility, imposter syndrome, confidence, networking, mentorship, upward mentoring, leadership, trust, resilience, rejection, career development, professional services, law careers, authenticity, workplace culture, generational leadership, community, opportunity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joel Blake

01:57 Joel's Upbringing and Early Aspirations

06:55 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

12:10 Career Journey at Wilkes

16:32 Navigating Change in the Legal Profession

21:14 Building Confidence and Professional Growth

24:14 Fostering Collaboration Across Generations

25:30 Unveiling Surprising Aspects of Personal Growth

27:00 The Power of Authentic Networking

30:09 Pride in Regional Development

34:13 Vision for the Future: Inspiring the Next Generation

36:00 Empowering Young Professionals through Future Faces

38:31 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Authenticity

40:43 Encouragement for the Underestimated

43:36 Setting Ambitious Goals for 2026

In this conversation, Lisa Butler shares her inspiring journey from an 18-year military career to becoming a coach and advocate for courage and leadership.

She discusses overcoming early challenges, the importance of resilience, and how her military experience shaped her understanding of courage.

Lisa emphasises the need for individuals to be brave in their personal and professional lives, the significance of recognising and supporting others' struggles, and the role of boundaries in maintaining mental well-being.

She introduces her upcoming initiative, The Courage Collective, aimed at fostering a supportive community for personal growth and empowerment.

Takeaways

1. Dreams start with tea and ginger biscuits.
2. Importance of having that road track in your mind.
3. Blow things up if you can.
4. Courage shows up every day.
5. There's a real importance of knowing who your people are.
6. Help people to be brave.
7. Be fierce in your own agency.
8. We miss opportunities if we are not brave.
9. Speak up about things that are wrong.
10. Everyone needs a Gandalf stick.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa Butler's Journey

02:50 Overcoming Early Challenges and Building Resilience

05:45 Military Career and Lessons Learned

08:57 Transitioning to Coaching and Leadership

11:54 The Importance of Courage in Today's World

14:42 Recognising and Supporting Others in Need

26:51 Navigating the 'I'm Fine' Culture

29:20 Inner Child Work and Rebuilding Confidence

31:57 Transforming Limiting Beliefs

35:29 The Importance of Values and Boundaries

42:12 Creating Community and Courage

50:05 Empowering Responses to Demeaning Language

Summary:

In this episode Chris Meah, an AI expert and founder of Meah Labs and the School of Code, discusses the transformative power of AI, the importance of lifelong learning, and the future of education and work.

He shares insights on how AI is reshaping industries and the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven world.

The question is, will AI be the end of us all?

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Takeaways:

AI is reshaping industries and requires new skills.

Lifelong learning is essential in a tech-driven world.

The School of Code helps people transition into tech careers.

AI can enhance human capabilities if used wisely.

Education systems must adapt to prepare for future challenges.

Critical thinking and adaptability are key skills for the future.

AI's impact on society is both promising and challenging.

Open discussions about AI's role in society are crucial.

The future of work will be more tech-centric and collaborative.

AI can democratize access to information and opportunities.

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Keywords:

AI, School of Code, lifelong learning, technology, education, future of work

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Chapters:

00:52 Chris Meah's Journey into AI

05:55 Understanding AI: What It Is and Isn't

09:08 The Optimism and Pessimism of AI

18:13 The Power Dynamics of AI Technology

22:17 Encouraging AI Adoption in Businesses

25:28 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

33:01 The Importance of Hardship in Childhood

34:44 Creating a Safe Learning Environment

38:55 AI's Role in Human Development

40:57 Business Innovation and Exploration

47:54 The Future of AI and Humanity

In this episode, former England international rugby player Luther Burrell shares his journey from professional sports to philanthropy, discussing identity, race, and mental wellbeing.

He reflects on his transition from elite sports, the challenges of finding purpose post-retirement, and the importance of networking and community impact.

Luther emphasises the power of honesty, resilience, and creating positive change through his foundation.

Luther Burrell, rugby, identity, race, mental wellbeing, philanthropy, transition, networking, community impact, resilience

1. Good people will find good people.
2. Throw mud at the wall until the good thing sticks.
3. Be honest with yourself.
4. No one is coming to you with a magic wand.
5. Those that you meet on the way up, you'll meet on the way back down.
6. Power of deconstructing yourself.
7. Always have a no dickhead policy, but stress test this ASAP.
8. The importance of breathing.
9. Focus on the controllables.
10. A problem shared is a problem halved.

00:00 Introduction to Luther Burrell

03:15 Life After Professional Sport

08:30 Survival Mode: The Transition Challenge

15:11 Asking for Help: Breaking Down Barriers

21:06 What Do I Have to Offer?

30:22 Building High-Performing Teams

32:56 Building a Culture of Accountability

34:48 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

37:30 Navigating Racism in Sports

42:28 The Impact of Philanthropy and Community Work

50:23 Transformative Power of Sport

57:04 Inspiring the Next Generation